Latin Phrases and Vocabulary

Flashcards of Latin phrases and other vocabulary terms with definitions, based on lecture notes.

Ad hominem

Appealing to personal feelings or prejudices rather than intellect.

Non sequitur

A statement that does not logically follow from the previous argument or statement.

Quid pro quo

Something given in exchange or return for something else.

De facto

In fact, or in effect, whether by right or not.

Memento mori

An object serving as a reminder of death.

Ante bellum

Existing before a war, especially the American Civil War.

Post bellum

Existing after a war.

Bona fide

Authentic; genuine.

Vox populi

The opinion or belief of the majority.

Sine qua non

An essential condition; a thing that is absolutely necessary.

Ipso facto

By the fact itself.

Carpe diem

Seize the day; enjoy the present.

Mea culpa

An acknowledgment of one's fault or error.

Modus operandi

A particular way or method of doing something, especially one that is characteristic or habitual.

Terra incognita

Unknown or unexplored territory.

E pluribus unum

Out of many, one (the motto of the United States).

Persona non grata

An unwelcome person.

Pro bono

Done or donated without charge; free.

Ad nauseam

To a sickening or excessive degree.

Advocatus diaboli

Devil's advocate; someone who presents arguments against a proposition.

Alter ego

A person's secondary or alternative personality.

Sui generis

Unique; of its own kind.

Ad infinitum

Endlessly; without limit.

Caveat emptor

Let the buyer beware.

Lex talionis

The law of retaliation; an eye for an eye.

Magnum opus

A great work of art, literature, or music.

Status quo

The existing state of affairs.

Ad lib

To improvise or speak spontaneously.

Anno Domini (A.D.)

In the year of the Lord.

Deus ex machina

An unexpected power or event saving a seemingly hopeless situation.

In medias res

In the middle of things.

per se

by or in itself; intrinsically.

verbatim

in exactly the same words as were used originally.

Sic Deus vult

Thus God wills it.